Mythological Words Quiz

Many English words come from ancient mythological stories from cultures around the world.  This quiz will explain some of these words to you.

• A.  okay

• B. also okay

The word "Herculean" refers to something requiring great strength or effort. Which of the following best describes Hercules, the mythological figure this word is derived from?

• A mortal who defeated the Minotaur in the labyrinth

• A hero who performed 12 nearly impossible labors as penance

• A demigod known for his wisdom and strategic thinking

• A titan who held up the heavens on his shoulders

The term "Sisyphean" describes a task that is endless and futile. Which action best symbolizes the punishment of Sisyphus in Greek mythology?

• Trying to fill a bottomless well with water

• Rolling a massive boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down

• Weaving a never-ending tapestry

• Balancing a scale that can never be equalized

The word "Pandora" is often associated with the release of unforeseen troubles. In Greek mythology, what escaped when Pandora opened the jar (or box) entrusted to her?

• The Titans and chaos

• Diseases, misfortunes, and hope

• The spirits of war and famine

• The secrets of the gods

The term "janitor" comes from Janus, the Roman god. What was Janus the god of?

• War and victory

• Doors, beginnings, and transitions

• Wisdom and strategy

• Harvest and agriculture

The word "Odyssey" describes a long and eventful journey. In the epic that inspired this term, what obstacle did Odysseus NOT face?

• A six-headed monster named Scylla

• A whirlpool called Charybdis

• A lion with an impenetrable hide

• Enchantment by the sorceress Circe

The word "volcano" comes from Vulcan, the Roman god. What was Vulcan the god of?

• The sun

• The sea

• Fire and metalworking

• The underworld

The term "atlas" for a collection of maps is inspired by Atlas, a figure from Greek mythology. What was Atlas's punishment?

• Supporting the heavens on his shoulders

• Guarding the gates of Tartarus

• Carrying the Earth on his back

• Being turned into a mountain

The word "maize" (corn) is tied to the mythology of the Taíno people of the Caribbean islands. According to their myths, how was maize first shared with humanity?

• It was stolen from the gods by a trickster hero

• It was discovered in a sacred cave and brought to Earth by a god

• It grew from the tears of a goddess mourning her lost child

• It sprouted after the first humans planted the bones of their ancestors

The term "narcissism," meaning self-obsession, comes from Narcissus, a figure from Greek mythology. What caused Narcissus's downfall?

• His inability to resist looking at his reflection

• His love for a goddess who betrayed him

• His failure to sacrifice to the gods

• His greed for golden apples